Prompt Chomp: Roots | SC25
So many folks gather 'round the campfire, from all kinds of places. See, their roots spread far and wide. Like potato root. Delicious, delicious potato. Potato is a hit with every camper.We found the first week of prompts to be quite nourishing, but somehow we're finding even more tasty inspiration in the silver wave! If you're in need of a bit of a boost to get you through a few more of the prompts from this wave, have a look at the ideas we came up with while preparing for the upcoming metamorphosis! Come have a bite of these prompts!
An organization rooted in controversial principles
Sure, they had a bit of a weird start, but they've really turned things around! We think...Some orgs get their start from some seedy places, but who knows who they'll become once their roots grow deep?
We stir up controversy with...
defying the laws of this land
Criminal organizations, crime syndicates, and gangs — they stir up controversy pretty easily when they skirt around the law and find new and fun ways to bend and break it for their own benefit (or the demise of someone else). Does your world have its own Thieves' Guild? Does it have nations which are secretly run by shadow governments, a regional mafia, or mob families? Perhaps your world's very real government is the one breaking all of the laws themselves? These organizations got their start in the underbelly, and they may have moved on from their old ways — or they're still in the thick of it, and don't plan on stopping any time soon.Did you know that pizza shop started as a mob front?
deviating from the local culture and ideals
Shout it from the rooftops: STICK IT TO THE MAN! Groups form all the time to oppose the structures around them, resulting in countless countercultures springing up left and right. It can be extraordinarily controversial to step out of the status quo, and doubly so if you're working to shake it up even further beyond that. These organizations can be your world's punk movement, the kawaii revolution, rebels in a fascist regime, and even everyone's favorite: cultists who reject the faith of the land and form their own.our very existence
Some groups don't need to act any sort of way to be seen as controversial. We see it every day in the treatment of minorities, the Pride movement, and so much more! Purely by existing and being their authentic self can be twisted into a controversy by those who hold hate in their hearts. With that said, there's the important detail: controversy doesn't have to mean something is bad, only that it draws much scrutiny from the dominant culture that surrounds it.The month is over, but the rainbow flag is staying up forever.
questionable and chaotic behavior
No, it's not illegal, and no, it's not particularly serious, but good gods are the people divided over what these folks get up to. These folks post diabolic online polls, write fanfictions that have no business existing where human eyes can find and read them, and put fruit on pizzaA myth surrounding the birth of an important person in your world
It's always "favorite of the gods," this, and "chosen of the moon," that. What about the prophecy about the guy who'll invent the world's greatest hot dog?The more important you are, the more people love speculating about where you came from — or will come from!
We've heard the tales of...
their true origins
Legendary folks rise and fall every day, but how often do we get the full story about where they came from? The birth of a hero or conqueror can be embellished with tales of strange arrivals, the blessings of gods, or the curses of demons. On a less fantastical scale, myths and rumors often fly about the childhoods and family life of public figures, the ways their parents brought them up, and what brought them to this world. Are these myths rooted in truth, or are they slanderous tales spread by sworn enemies or bitter rivals?I heard that those folks aren't even his parents. In fact, I think that guy's not even from this planet!
a prophesized coming
Past, present, or future, the coming of a new prophet, demigod, messiah, or new deity can create quite the stir among those who believe. Grand predictions can be made about those who are destined to lead; prophecies often arise about those yet to be born who have potential to change the world with their actions. If this myth is about a figure of the past, is there word of a second coming? Is this figure set to return again in the future, and what effects is their birth said to bring?Hey, did you know we might have two Dalai Lamas in the next cycle?
folks born anew
Birth can mean a lot more than an emancipation from the womb — consider the many ways one can find a symbolic "birth" within their culture, or someone else's! Initiation ceremonies, cultural rites, cultist conversions, and other ceremonies can grant someone a rebirth that brings them into the fold of something new and sets them on a brand new path in life. What myths or legends kicked off these traditions, and what mysteries surround them? Certain conditions might result in the figurative birth of someone new as well, such as amnesia or some forms of traumatic brain injury. Folks affected by these conditions may have already been alive beforehand, but their lives have fundamentally changed and they'll need to re-learn who they are, and the art of living, with their new circumstances.I didn't know who I was before I embraced the ferality of it all. I still don't really know, but I think that comes with the lifestyle.
cursed transformations
Twisted tales float on the winds of the night, of those who found themselves reborn into the night under a wretched curse... Are there myths in your world about the first of the vampires, or the werewolf alpha? Patient zero of a necromantic plague? Maybe even one transformed in a way one would consider mind-flaying? Whether these conditions, transformations, or shifts occurred at literal birth or later in one's life, the nature of them would certainly result in a brand new individual and a brand new life to live.I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn't the small of vanilla and... garlic?
A character known for their numerous progeny
They're my babies! Every last one of them! I will nurture my stuffed animals infinitely.There are many ways to leave your mark on the world, and many ways to leave a legacy behind!
This person has produced...
quite the family!
Kings have long sired dozens of heirs, millions can trace their line back to rampaging warlords and conquerors, and your local bard may have several living, breathing reasons why they choose to avoid certain towns in their travels. Being known for one's numerous progeny could certainly look like continued bloodlines, numerous offspring, and grand family units — these families may not even need to be by blood! Many cultures see large families as a gift from their god(s), and some simply find them necessary to survive. Who are the influential family heads in your world? Is anyone known for their impressive family, or for bringing many children-in-need into their home? What about someone who cared for children outside of their home, like a teacher or caretaker?If I clone myself, does that count as family? Are they my children? My siblings?
the fruit of much labor!
When you've devoted a lifetime to your craft, it's hard not to think of your creations as your children. Impactful work can very well live beyond its creator, paving the way for a lasting legacy — no kiddos needed. Who are the renowned artists of your world, or the authors that toil away in crafting their stories, or the tinkers who have crafted companion bots to love forever? Who created something that grew to have a life of its own, like an experimenting botanist developing new species overtaking their lands, or a hacker who introduced a system bug that can no longer be contained?an impressive collection!
Whether you're a dragon with a hoard you can't part with, or a grown adult with a pile of sentimental plushies you would readily give your life to protect, there's no denying that these collections could be seen as extensions of the self and, in some ways, your children. Is there anyone in your world known for having an impressive collection? Is there a library someone guards jealously, or a vault of relics with an ancient keeper? If there's someone out there with a collection of things that are deeply significant to them, it may be time to put some words to them!a mass of underlings!
Minions, servants, underlings, and more — those who lead often have many "children" tied to the beliefs they share, and the ends they work together to achieve. Necromancers raise armies of the undead, mad scientists have their test subjects, and vampires have their thralls! Wizards have their apprentices running every errand as they strive to learn the ways of the arcane, and cult leaders pour much of their energy into maintaining the appearance that their cultists are one big family. Consider the queen of a hivemind, or the brain behind your Borg-like civilizations. The founder of a nation might also be held in high regard as the father of all who call it their home.Don't forget that characters can also be gods — think of how often worshipers of the divine are referred to as the children of that deity, or the greater power in question!
A foundational document for a country, religion, or other organization
I'd like to think Camp Feral started with a formal diagnosis of FERAL, but I also think I chewed up the paper it was written on, so...So many things can attribute their formation to a funny little piece of paper, or an ancient book... or other documentation!
We were founded by...
a monumental tome
It's rather hard to name a widespread religion in the modern day that doesn't cite a massive book as being the core of the faith. We can extend this concept to hefty company manuals that set the tone and expectation for a budding organization, or a textbook that cemented a publishing company as a powerhouse in the educational industry. The tome can be stripped of its literal meaning, replaced with stories and oral histories of grand scale and mass renown that served as the foundation for entire nations, the inspiration for historical orders, or the seed which sprouted into a new faith with time.a statement with intent
Declarations scrawled across parchment, or printed nicely across a skillfully pressed sheet of paper, have pushed intent and formed all manner of societal and cultural shifts throughout history. Bills get published, declaring new lawmaking bodies, outlining the borders of brand new nations, and putting in place new political parties. Political manifestos have brought with them all manner of movements forged in rebellion against the powers that be, and propaganda has served much of the same purpose. What statements have been released in your world? What friendships have been declared or disavowed between great powers, that led to the formation or even the dissolution of various alliances and partnerships? What organizations have appeared due to one well-placed document with a prominent signature?a mound of paperwork
Some organizations and unions simply can't come to be unless the government or some powerful entity gets involved. Licensing documents and permits may be needed for certain organizations to form and operate within the law, in addition to contracts, organizational bylaws, and guild charters. Sometimes, even being a family isn't so simple as letting nature take its course. One may need to file paperwork to acquire a marriage certificate, or even to secure the birth certificates for new children, and the trail of paperwork can track family lines and make up one's family tree.I really thought picking up a sword and making some friends was enough to start adventuring, but then they had me fill out all these questions and sign all kinds of release forms...
a brilliant piece of media
One good song can start a movement, if the chords hit just right, and the words hit a little harder. Consider your world's national anthems and their origins, the songs and compositions that may have inspired the formation of something entirely new. Media ranging from television series to moves have all spawned cultures of their own — have you found yourself part of any particular nerd sphere? What media has been foundational for the development of different organizations, clubs, or companies in your world? The documentation of such media alone may be enough to set numerous organizations into motion.It's the song that played when we joined our hands together for the first time, and it was the very same that played when our banners were raised on the battlefield.
A garment traditionally associated with a culture
I could tell by the way she wore that pelt, and the crazed blot of red in her eyes, that she was one of them... a feral worldbuilder.
What they're wearing tells me all about...
where they came from
Cultures all around the world often have their own unique styles of dress. Everyday clothes can look so different from one place to another, from the shirts and pants, to the shoes and scarves, and other accessories. Likewise, they can tell you a lot about the climates folks are used to — if someone is dressing rather out-of-season for their current location, it could be they were expecting temperatures to be different, and now they've made themselves a spectacle. If an explorer is dressed for travel, you can often take note of what challenges they're anticipating, what hazards they keep protected from, and what parts of themselves they consider most at risk in their adventure.what they believe in
Religious garb isn't just limited to the priesthood, though these garments can also be fantastic ideas to develop — even common folk often adopt garments and accessories that reflect their faith and beliefs. Holy symbols, faithful accessories, and modesty clothing might reflect one's belief system at a glance. Countercultures can often be identified through garb as well! What are the punks of your world wearing? What do alternative lifestyles look like, and what common lifestyles are they contrasting? Garments can be symbolic in nature, being heirlooms or keepsakes from late family members. What do people in your world value and believe in? Do they think highly of their ancestors, keeping their remnants with them? Do they move forward to the newest, brightest thing as soon as possible?He wore the trophies from his enemies like charms from his belt loops.
the stage of life they're in
Certain garments can tell you a lot about what someone's life looks like — have they come of age yet? Are they a professional in their field, or a businessperson of some kind? Have they retired from the rat race, and now live their life in the coziest clothes life can offer? Cultural events from all stages of life can have all manner of associated garments, from wedding dresses to costume robes worn in coming of age rituals and other ceremonies. Children in certain regions may be expected to wear certain clothes or accessories, or folks may wear certain styles based on what's trendy with their age group. If they're an individual of means, it will typically show in their attire, so consider what the wealthy might look like across different regions of your world. Likewise, what do those of poor circumstance adorn themselves with? The difference between even two businessmen at the same company can be night and day, if they're on two very different rungs of the corporate ladder. Think of material quality, fine accessories, and other status symbols one might see.That cable-knit sweater was something out of the last century, but there was no denying that it looked like the comfiest thing you'd ever seen in your life.
what sort of stuff they're into
All kinds of subcultures come with identifiable clothing, the same way regional subcultures do. Hobbyists can usually be seen bearing the garments and accessories common to their crafts, and those who dabble in more fantastical crafts such as magic might be identifiable by such garments as robes and silly hats, depending on the setting, of course. Nerd culture can look like headsets and fandom merch, and silly branded shoelaces, and many nerds have identified one another in the wild just from a quick glance at an interesting t-shirt design.Hey, I really like your shoelaces!
The place of origin of a people in your world
Hey, surely you remember what things were like back home? It's been a while, hasn't it?Wherever your people have ended up in the modern day, they certainly came from somewhere.
These people came from...
a point on the map
The answer here can be a simple one; a place of origin can very well be a region or a nation that can be quickly identified on a map. One could point to forests or great landmarks, certain caves or other geographical features that mark where a people's home is — or was. These might be ancestral lands to a culture of your world, or it could be their present home! No one said they had to be living elsewhere for this particular prompt, though it is quite common for folks to disperse over time.We were born in these mountains, and in these mountains we remain. We honor our ancestors, always.
a world beyond our own
Not every world is bound to one planet or physical plane! Consider the people of your world who may have hailed from altered planes of existence, shifted realities, or distant galaxies. Are these places real? Are they pure legend? The origin of a people in your world could certainly be the subject of creation myths and legends from unknown times, painting theories of otherworldly origin, even if no evidence points directly to this explanation. Realms of the gods, domains of the elements, and magical leylines could all be locations referenced in these origin stories.someplace lost to time
You might be able to point to where these places used to be on a map, but you might find their names woefully omitted, or changed with the years. Folks give years of their lives to searching for ancient civilizations, lost to time, reduced only to myth.Welcome to the City of Atlantis.
a place of metaphor
You might not be able to point out the internet on a map, but it's definitely a place from which many folks have found their beginnings. Across the countless ancient forums and abandoned chatrooms, origin stories beyond counting arose and faded away with the decades. Think of the subcultures that have arisen over time from various websites and blogs focused on certain media, the friendships that have bloomed in the realms of virtual gaming spaces, and massive communities and even movements that have spawned from certain types of media.All those feral worldbuilders had to come from somewhere, but where?
An ancient tongue from which many common idioms spring
We're not really sure where this funky phrase came from, but we're big fans!The languages spoken by the people of your world very likely underwent numerous evolutions over time. Let's think about their origins!
This ancient language...
was spoken by ancient civilizations
Tracing your world's present-day languages back to their roots might land you at languages of the old world, proto-languages that grew and evolved into the ones your people know today. Understanding more about these ancient tongues can help you bridge gaps between your existing cultures and nations through linguistic connections, and it can be fun to explore which idioms stuck from the ancient times to the modern day. Comparing and contrasting how different modern languages derived idioms from the ancient tongues in different ways can be a grand way to inject lore about each modern civilization and showcase their individual values.If the language is a dead one in your world, there may be no reason whatsoever to develop a full conlang for it, so don't let that step bog you down! You'll find you hardly need any language-creation to make a language article feel alive, so long as you focus on making connections and showing how its essence lives on in the modern folk.
is still spoken today
Some languages are so long-lived that they are regarded as ancient while still being rightly alive in every aspect. This can be true on a lesser scale, like limited use in religious ceremony, the way we continue to teach and use Latin in churches across several faiths in our real world, or it can extend to indigenous tongues that survived against all odds and continue to make a comeback with every effort to preserve them. Likewise, a civilization can simply be long-lived enough that their language persisted through millennia, largely unchanged. If these languages still exist, it may be possible that people from other cultures find themselves mixing with speakers of this ancient language, and their patterns of speech have rubbed off on them in bits and pieces.is symbolic in nature
Not every language is one that is spoken, and even the wordless tongues can have deep meaning and spur the creation of spoken idiom. Languages of the gods and other cryptic beings may never be spoken by humans, but they may find their own ways to translate them in ways others would understand. Magical runes are a language of their own, and those who interact with them routinely might develop patterns of speech other magic-users might never follow. A cryptic language of flowers, such as the one employed by the Victorians, might paint a language with floral idioms, as might any language of nature. Symbolic languages of culinary arts, coding languages (numbers are symbols, right?), and the language of music... do any languages like these influence your modern speakers?She's set cypress on her shoulders, and it sheds in every room she enters.
feels ancient in a modern world
The language of memes is somehow both timeless and infinitely fleeting. Yesterday's viral concept is quickly overshadowed by the next fascination, and the pattern repeats ad nauseam. Fleeting as it is, entire communities and groups of people find ways to communicate through these memes, speaking in metaphor, words carrying implied meaning in a curious display of context-based storytelling. We live in a world where quoting Vine is lost on the new generation, despite being a major feature within the past decade. Slang from just a few years ago has turned over with all sorts of new phrases that vex the elder generations. I can only imagine the side-eyes as I decree, "that's lit, fam!" How quickly things grow ancient, in the public eye.Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra. Temba, his arms wide. Shaka, when the walls fell.
A war that resulted in the creation of something new
This town ain't big enough for the two of us, but I'm about to make it work.Conflicts can be destructive forces, but they can also bring new things to life in their wake.
From conflict emerges...
a new entry to the political stage
Wars, in particular, often result in great political changes. Major conflicts can draw new borders and craft new nations, with new governments, new alliances, and new enemies. New policies hit senate floors, smear campaigns creep through official hallways, and corporate warfare prompts new mergers, new executives, and new operational practices.It wasn't a war anyone anticipated losing, but in hindsight the enemy was just too powerful to fight back.
new perspectives
Eyes are opened through all kinds of conflicts, whether it's to the treachery of others, to crucial information about the nature of the world, or new understanding of the circumstances of others. Many protests and movements spawn from ongoing conflicts, populations adopt new priorities, and people develop new ideas about how the world does — or should — operate. Internal battles can be as influential as external ones, and a new path forward can be found in many cases of mental health struggle, crisis of faith, and other personal wars. New myths and legends grow from the seeds left behind by wars and battles, and new religions take root in places far from their home.the spark of innovation
Conficts on a large scale can often inspire and hasten innovation, for better or for worse. Weaponry rapidly develops in fast-paced arms races and against unknown new enemies, new cures and remedies are researched in response to new hazards and threats, and new technologies are configured in an effort to combat cybersecurity threats. Innovation can also be creative and inspirational — what conflict resulted in a creative renaissance, or inspired a monumental work of art? New artists and creators, bright minds and more!new traditions & ceremonies
Those affected by conflicts often find themselves engaging in new routines in life. New causes to celebrate or mourn, new rituals honoring life's blessings and praying for the darkest times. Competition is the root of many conflicts, and these conflicts can spawn new contests and competitions, from baking wars to sporting events, and more! Consider the conflicts that led to new rivalries, titles, awards, and honors!FOOD FIGHT!!!
A symbolic building
There's simply no building out there that can hope to compare to the camp's rec hall!Most buildings have some kind of purpose — some aim to send a message.
This building represents...
cultural or historical significance
Certain buildings just carry the essence of their culture with them in every brick and beam. There's a deep significance to these buildings, whether they act as cultural centers, places of the arts such as principal theaters or museums, or are iconic landmarks of a country or city. Places of worship, in the forms of churches, temples, and more, loom on every horizon, symbolizing the predominant faiths in every community. The buildings may have likewise been tied to major historical events held in high regard by the people, like disaster sites, places of great suffering, and other locations the people have deemed fit for continued remembrance. Buildings may also be constructed or preserved as tributes to historical figures or events which may have transpired within them. On a smaller scale, who doesn't love a haunted house?The tour truly was eye-opening, but it's left me feeling a strong sense of dread...
status or power
Some buildings just scream bureaucracy, and that's just what they're crafted to host. Government and political buildings line the streets in the capitol district, town halls and community centers are found in every little hamlet, and great castles loom over the horizon as a reminder of governance long past. Educational institutions have their own symbolism across different societies, with some bearing prestige and others infamy. Where symbols of governance are seen, all kinds of responses might be drawn from the people; these buildings can be symbols of freedom and independence just as easily as they could be symbols of oppression. Do these buildings represent a healthy pride in the local culture, or are they monuments to nationalism? Are they status symbols? Consider which buildings in your cities might represent nobility or wealth, and who might resent the sight.progress, or lack thereof
Historical buildings preserved long beyond their years symbolize what life was like long ago, putting old architectural styles on display — how do these old buildings compare to the new ones? What has changed in all that time? Whether it's a lot, or not much at all, that tells a lot about the progress a city has seen. A brand new building right next to a historical one would put this contrast in clear view, and would make a stark symbol of progress. New construction could employ cutting-edge technology, never seen before! How do folks feel when they see these innovations in action? Does progress of this nature excite the population, or is it too much of a departure from the norm, causing many to reject it before it can prove its merit?something deeply personal
Sometimes a structure can just be a structure — to anyone that isn't you. It's in the moments when someone drives past a house on a familiar street and no one else in the car has a reaction to seeing it, because it wasn't their childhood home repainted a gods-awful color by its new residents. It's when someone arrives at the doorstep of a brand new home with trepidation, because it's the beginning of their life as a first-time homeowner. It's when someone has the worst day of their life and arrives at an old cottage and feels all of their troubles melt away, because just the sight of the place symbolizes warmth and arms wide open.Significance doesn't need to be universal. It can be something experienced or held by just one character in your world, built from their personal history or story yet unwritten.
A diaspora spread around the world
There are many of us, all around this world. Could never stay in one place too long, you know?Sometimes, spreading out is simply inevitable, but there are so many driving factors!
These people spread out due to...
a forced displacement
When worlds are struck by war and disaster, it's exceptionally common to see refugees gathering in other regions, as they flee their dangerous homes. Foreign invasions could be at fault, or internal conflicts may have painted them scapegoats and targets, and thus they sought asylum elsewhere. Religious persecution has led many to leave their homes in search of freedom, and some natural disasters simply don't offer choices beyond leave or perish. Exiles and outcasts displaced from their communities may need to find somewhere new to settle and develop their new lives beyond their familiar borders.They managed to cobble together a motley crew of fellows who faced the same cruel exile. Thus, work began anew.
a desire to travel
Wanderlust is a powerful motivator, and it's taken many populations on all types of adventures throughout history. Perhaps they seek opportunity, in nations promising abundance and grand dreams, or they yearn to experience the best of what another culture might offer. Over time, more and more people may follow these travelers from one home to a new one.Consider how these travelers live in their new homes. They chose to be here — did they choose to assimilate fully, or do they keep their native culture alive and well in every interaction? Do they plan to remain here forever, or do they hold onto plans of returning home one day?
missions and callings
Some people are called to a greater purpose — missionaries traveling and settling across the world is a tale as old as organized religion, and many could trace their roots to such a resettlement. Some are called to professions or industries foreign to their homelands, and follow the trail of trade wherever they must to achieve that which they seek. When more humble callings aren't enough, some might turn to extremes — the call of conquest, being one. They follow the drive to invade and overtake other regions, becoming the very reason another culture finds itself displaced and spread across the world.metaphysical interference
One can always count on magical forces to shake things up for the people of your world. Consider the populations which might have been dispersed by metaphysical events, or whisked away to alternate dimensions and scattered across realms. If your world has many realms beyond its primary physical domain, consider what populations could be found in unexpected places, how they got there, and how they might get back home — if that's something they seek.You know, when that meteor sent us all to the plane of fire, I was hoping we'd all at least end up in the same plane of fire. Together.
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